* <see name="The Great Hall of the People" alt="" address="" directions="Borders on the west" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="¥30">Seat of China's parliament and important political meetings.</see>

* <see name="The Great Hall of the People" alt="" address="" directions="Borders on the west" phone="" email="" fax="" url="" hours="" price="¥30">Seat of China's parliament and important political meetings.</see>

−

* <see name="The Chinese National Museum" alt="" address="" directions="Occupies the eastern side of the square" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Consisting of the Chinese History Museum and the Chinese Revolutionary Museum. Closed for renovations until 2010.</see>

+

* <see name="The Chinese National Museum" alt="" address="Tiananmen Square" directions="Occupies the eastern side of the square" phone="" url="" hours="9:00 - 17:00" price="Free" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Huge Museum, since it is free there are long lines. </see>

* <see name="Tian'anmen Gate" alt="天安门; Gate of Heavenly Peace" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="¥15" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Tian'anmen Gate, and its large portrait of Chairman Mao, dominates the northern end of the square. Pass beneath the gate to head north toward the Forbidden City. It costs nothing to pass through, but on the far side there is a ticket booth where you can pay admission to visit the Gate. Although visiting the Gate allows a good view over Tian'anmen Square, do not be fooled into thinking you are buying tickets to the Forbidden City: they are separate attractions.</see>

* <see name="Tian'anmen Gate" alt="天安门; Gate of Heavenly Peace" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="¥15" lat="" long="" email="" fax="">Tian'anmen Gate, and its large portrait of Chairman Mao, dominates the northern end of the square. Pass beneath the gate to head north toward the Forbidden City. It costs nothing to pass through, but on the far side there is a ticket booth where you can pay admission to visit the Gate. Although visiting the Gate allows a good view over Tian'anmen Square, do not be fooled into thinking you are buying tickets to the Forbidden City: they are separate attractions.</see>

Get in

Dongcheng District is one of the four central (inner-city) districts of Beijing. Dongcheng is roughly the area within the second ring road, to the north-east of Tiananmen Square.
Subway line 2 (loop line) runs along the north and east edges of the district. Line 1 bisects the district from east to west, and Line 5 from north to south.

See

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square (天安门广场; Tiānānménguǎngchǎng) is the largest square in the world. Built by Mao to impress; the square is surrounded by Soviet-style monuments and government buildings. Tiananmen Square remains an astounding place and a spot to linger and see visitors from all over China, many visiting their capital for the first time. There is a flag raising and lowering ceremony at dawn and dusk at the north end of the square. There are 4 marble lions in front of the Tiananmen gate, the northwest one has a bullet hole on its stomach from the 1989 Tianamen Square massacre (the lions are enclosed by fences, making the NW one nearly impossible to see close up). The square is best reached by subway. Qianmen station on line 2 is at the southern end of the square, while Tiananmen East and Tiananmen West, both on line 1, are at the northern end. Due to traffic restrictions, taxis cannot stop on the square, so if you come by taxi, the driver will have to let you out on a nearby side street.

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, (At the south end, opposite the entrance to the Forbidden City). Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8AM to noon (but note it is sometimes closed without notice). Mao's mausoleum. Expect huge, but moving, queues. No bags, cameras or water bottles are allowed inside and must be dropped off (for a fee) at the 'Bagcheck' building across the road to the east (mobile phones ok). Flowers can be purchased to lay at the feet of Mao's statue inside (although they are collected and resold at the end of the day) as well as leaflets for ¥1. There is disagreement among the locals as to whether the body is real or fake waxwork so make up your own mind. Mao souvenirs can be purchased at the exit.Free.

Monument to the People's Heroes, (In the center of the square). The monument documents key events in modern Chinese history.

The Great Hall of the People, (Borders on the west). Seat of China's parliament and important political meetings.¥30.

The Chinese National Museum, Tiananmen Square (Occupies the eastern side of the square). 9:00 - 17:00. Huge Museum, since it is free there are long lines. Free.

Tian'anmen Gate (天安门; Gate of Heavenly Peace). Tian'anmen Gate, and its large portrait of Chairman Mao, dominates the northern end of the square. Pass beneath the gate to head north toward the Forbidden City. It costs nothing to pass through, but on the far side there is a ticket booth where you can pay admission to visit the Gate. Although visiting the Gate allows a good view over Tian'anmen Square, do not be fooled into thinking you are buying tickets to the Forbidden City: they are separate attractions.¥15.

Forbidden City (故宫 Gù Gōng, also known as the Palace Museum), [1]. Open April 1st- October 31st: 8:30-17:00. November 1st- March 31st: 8:30-16:30. Get there when the gates open (around 8.30AM) if you want to walk through the vast and spectacular courtyards in relative peace (Close at 5PM). This is truly the spot to appreciate the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the height of its power in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Despite the transformation of the city around it, the Forbidden City remains mercifully relatively untouched. There are a handful of cafes and gift shops, which are surprisingly not very overpriced considering what a tourist area it is. Only two-fifths of the area of the palace is opened but more sections open all the time. Wandering to the right or left can yield some beautiful secluded courtyards and, of course, padlocked dead ends. You can rent an audio guided tour which explains certain temples along the central axis and their uses for ¥40 with a ¥100 deposit (more than a dozen languages available). The signs posted around and on buildings inside are fairly short and are written in both Chinese and English. You can reach the Forbidden City via subway line 1 to Tiananmen West or Tiananmen East,or by buses lines 1,4,52 and 728. Alternatively, the lines 101,109 and 810 stop at the north gate of Forbidden City.¥60/¥20.

Temples

Yonghegong (雍和宮; Yōnghégōng; also known as Lama Temple or Palace of Peace), Yonghegong Dajie, at intersection of Second Ring road (Beside Yonghegong Lama Temple subway station, on lines 2 and 5). Closes at 4PM. The temple was built by Chinese emperors who harbored a deep fascination for the Tibetan (Tantric) version of Buddhism. Over the years, many Tibetan and Mongolian monks lived and taught here, and there are still monks in residence today. The temple is famous for its 18m statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood. Visitors are not allowed to take pictures of holy statues inside most of the temples. You can view most of buildings in an hour or less. ¥25.

Zhihua Temple (智化寺; Zhìhuàsì; also known as Temple of Wisdom Attained), 5 Lumicang Hutong (禄米仓胡同5号; Lùmǐcānghútòng) (Bus 24 from Dongzhimen or Beijing Railway Station, get off at Lumicang), ☎+86 10 6528 6691, [2]. 6AM-6PM. Buddhist temple built in 1443 One of the largest, oldest and best preserved wooden structures in Beijing. Houses the Ancient Music Center, which now and then gives concerts played by monks and true to the ancient traditions. Also houses the Beijing Cultural Exhange Museum. The temple has recently been renovated.¥20.

Tongjiao Temple (通教寺; Tōngjiāosì; also known as Temple of Authoritative Teaching), 19 Zhenxian Hutong, Dongzhimen Beixiaojie (东直门北小街针线胡同19号; Dōngzhíménběixiǎojiē Zhēnxiànhútòng) (800m northwest of Dongzhimen Metro Station (lines 2 and 13)), ☎+86 10 6405 5918. 8AM-5PM on 1st and 15th of the month. Originally used by eunuchs but now actively used by nuns.Free.

Confucius Temple (孔庙; Kǒngmiào), 13 Guozijian Street (国子监街13号; Guózǐjiànjiē) (500m southwest of Yonghegong Metro Station (lines 2 and 5)), ☎+86 10 8402 7224. 9AM-5PM. The temple was built in 1302 and honors Confucius (孔子; Kǒngzi; 551-479 BC) who was one of China's greatest thinkers, still with significant influence on all aspects of daily life. The pavilions along either side have displays about Confucius and the history of Confucianism The courtyard is a pleasant place to relax or watch art students practice sketching.¥20, includes admission to Imperial Academy.

Imperial Academy (国子监; Guózǐjiàn), (Immediately to west of Confucius Temple). The academy was the highest level college and location of examinations for the civil service in Imperial China. Very much related to the neighbouring Confucius Temple in that the studies and exams were conducted in the Confucian tradition. Displays documenting the history of the imperial exams system and the lives of students. Pleasant courtyard, slightly quieter than that of the temple.¥20, includes admission to Confucius Temple.

Museums

National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆 Zhōngguó Guójiā Bówùguǎn), 16, East Chang'an St, Dongcheng district (On the east side of Tiananmen Square), ☎+86 10 8447-4914, [3]. It is undergoing renovation from 2007 until 2010 and will not be accessible until finished.

China National Museum Waxworks (中国国家博物馆腊像展览; Zhōngguóguójiābówùguǎnlàxiàngzhǎnlǎn), East side of Tian'anmen Square (天安门广场东侧; Tiānānménguǎngchǎngdōngcè), ☎+86 10 6513 8940. 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Large wax museum with primarily famous Chinese. Part of China National Museum, which is closed for renovation until 2010, so this one might also be.¥20.

Imperial City Art Museum (皇城艺术馆; Huángchéngyìshùguǎn), 9 Changpuheyan (菖蒲河沿9号; Chāngpúhéyàn) (north side of Changpu River Park, near corner of Nanchizi Jie), ☎+86 10 8511 5104, [5]. 10AM-5:30PM. The Imperial City was the Manchu city that surrounded the Forbidden City during the Qing dynasty. The museum's centrepiece is a scale model of the Forbidden & Imperial Cities. There are also displays on lifestyle, costumes, arts & crafts of the Qing imperial city. Occasionally hosts special exhibits that cost extra.¥20.

Wan Fung Art Gallery, 136 Nanchizi Jie. Worth a peek if you're in the area. Housed in a side building in the courtyard of the Imperial Archives, which you can't go in, but is quite impressive. The courtyard itself is a quiet corner in an otherwise crowded area of the city.Free.

Parks

Zhongshan Park.

Zhongshan Park (中山公园; Zhōngshāngōngyuán), West side of Tian'anmen (天安门西侧; Tiānānménxīcè), ☎+86 10 6605 5431. Summer 6AM-9PM, winter 6:30AM-8PM. Beautifully landscaped park with lots of trees and bamboo. Paddle boats of rent on the moat of the Forbidden City. Also an indoor playground for children, and bumper cars. Adults ¥3, children free.

Changpu River Park (菖蒲河公园; Chāngpúhé Gōngyuán), (East of Tian'anmen, parallel to Chang'an Jie). Narrow strip of landscaped park along a small stream. Begins in the east near the Beijing hotel and runs almost to Tian'anmen Gate. Free.

Ditan Park (地坛公园; Dìtán Gōngyuán; also known as Temple of Earth), Andingmenwai Street (安定门外大街; Āndìngménwài Dàjiē) (300m north of Yonghegong Metro Station (lines 2 and 5)), ☎+86 10 6421 4657 ([email protected]), [9]. 6AM-9PM. Park with a lot of cypresses and also a small amusement park area.¥2.

Other

Drum and Bell Towers (钟鼓楼; Zhōnggǔlóu), Di'anmen Street (地安门大街; Dì'ānméndàjiē (Short walk south-east from Gulou Dajie station on subway line 2, or accessible by bus 107 or 635 (from Dongzhimen)), ☎+86 10 6401 2674. 9AM-5:30PM. The drum tower was originally built in 1272 and reconstructed at a new location in 1800. The bell tower is build around 1700. Being situated straight north from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen and Qianmen Street, they are on the central north-south axis of Beijing. Originally, the towers were used to play music and later on to tell the Beijingers the time. Now they houses a 63-ton ancient copper bell and a number of ancient/replica drums. Free guides start tours at specific times, and the Drum Tower also has performances every hour or so (usually around half-past). There are great views from the top of the towers, but be prepared to hike up the 60+ (very steep!) steps. Ignore the touts at the bottom who try to push off "hutong tours" in rickety tri-shaws.Drum tower: ¥20; Bell tower ¥15; Ticket for both ¥30; half-price for students.

Legation Quarter, (east of Tiananmen Square). Once famous in the Boxer Rebellion, the legation quarter is now occupied by government offices and army offices but can still be seen from outside. There's a wonderful bakery store called "Sapporo" near the legation quarter, famous for its breads and cheesecakes.

Ancient Observatory (古欢象台; Gǔhuānxiàngtái), 2 Dongbiaobei Hutong (东裱褙胡同2号; Dōngbiǎobèihútòng) (Southwest corner of Jianguomen Bridge, close to Beijing Railway Station. Subway line 1 or 2 to Jianguomen station), ☎+86 10 6524 2202. 9AM-4PM. The observatory covering 1,000 m2 was built in 1442and has been open to the public since 1983. Ancient star maps and instruments to watch stars can be seen here. Displays on the history of Chinese astronomy, and several large astronomical instruments set on top of an old watchtower of the city walls. ¥10.

Great Hall of the People (人民大会堂; Rénmíndàhuìtáng), West side of Tian'anmen Square (天安门广场西侧; Tiānānménguǎngchǎngxīcè, ☎+86 10 6309 6156. The great hall of the people is used for meetings for the National People's Congress. But there is also helt classical concerts now and then.

Poly Theatre (see above under Theater).

Other

Hutongs. Hutongs are the old neighbourhoods and alleyways of Beijing. While all four inner districts still have hutong neighbourhoods (for now), Dongcheng's are among the most extensive and best preserved, and most enjoyable for wandering. Turn off any major thoroughfare in the northern half of the district, and you will find yourself in real, living neighbourhoods, filled with local residents, small shops and food stalls and markets. For a good introduction to the hutongs, the area between Bell Tower and Lama Temple is easy for exploration, as most of the lanes run east-west, making it quite easy to wander from Bell Tower to Lama Temple or vice-versa, which should take about half an hour. The restored touristy hutong of Nanluoguxiang is worth a visit for shopping, eating, and drinking, and here too you can easily branch off down the side alleys for a glimpse of the less restored and more authentic hutongs. If walking is not your thing, try a rickshaw tour. Rickshaws converge during the day in the square between Drum and Bell Towers. You can try your luck bargaining with the drivers, or there is a fixed-price ticket booth in northwest corner of the square, offering hutong rickshaw tours for ¥180.

Cooking classes, [18]. 10:30AM, every day except Wednesday. A few places around Nanluoguxiang now offer Chinese cooking classes. One such place, Hutong Cuisine, is run by an English-speaking chef in a small hutong home. Classes are small. Reservations are necessary.¥180 per person.

New China Children's Store (新中国儿童用品商店; Xīnzhōngguóértóngyòngpǐnshāngdiàn), 168 Wangfujing Street (王府井大街168号; Wángfǔjǐngdàjiē), ☎+86 10 6528 1774. 9 AM - 10 PM. Play center for children where the kids can catch goldfish, play in the gigantic sandpit or other. They also sell all kind of gear for children.¥10-20 each ride.

Buy

Wangfujing (王府井大街 Wángfǔjǐng Dàjiē), (Subway line 1, Wangfujing station). Beijing's most famous shopping street, nowadays with mostly the same international brands and modern malls you will find anywhere else in the world. The street is pedestrianised for several blocks, making it more pleasant than many parts of Beijing to walk around. Several large malls in the area such as Oriental Plaza (see below) and Sun Dong An plaza. One useful shop is the Foreign Language Bookstore, at the northern end of the pedestrian area, which has a good selection of guidebooks and maps (although expensive). Wangfujing snack street (see also "Eat") in the alleys just to the east has vendors selling souvenirs and crafts. Bargain hard.

The Malls at Oriental Plaza (东方新天地 Dōngfāng Xīn Tiāndì), East of Tian'anmen Square, on Wangfujing (Wangfujing station on line 1 has an exit that leads directly in to the mall at its west end. Dongdan station on lines 1 & 5 is at the east end). At one time this was the largest mall in Asia. Modern shopping mall is expensive but provides you with a lot of buying opportunities from diamonds, to real (affordable) DVD's, (international) music CD's and food. You can find lots of brands in Oriental Plaza, from top to the normal like Calvin Klein, G-star, Esprit, Only, etc. Besides shopping, you also can eat here, from Western cuisine to traditional Chinese food.

Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷; Nánluógǔxiàng; some partly translated signs say 'South Luogu Alley'). This restored hutong, just east of Drum Tower and Houhai, is lined with boutiques and small shops. Not the place for bargains, but this is where to come for unique and distinct gifts including T-shirts, pottery, jewellery, etc.

Eat

Budget

Poetry Cafe (诗意栖居旅行咖啡馆), NO 15 Nanchizi street Dongcheng District Beijing(南池子大街15号故宫东华门旁 (Exit B of TianAnMen East Station, North of NanChiZi Street.), ☎+86 10 6525 6505, [19]. 10:00-22:00. A beautiful cafe with soul as its name "Poetry", is operated by a lovely young lady, who enjoy travel and photography, that she successfully gather a group of 'specialists' in those fields; thus, customers can get tonnes of information about travel and photography. Its location is where customers are allowed enjoy the scene of Forbidden City, while having a perfectly brewed coffee.

Wangfujing Snack Street (王府井小吃街; Wángfǔjǐngxiǎochījiē), (In the alley to the west of the pedestrian zone on Wangfujing Dajie). Many stalls selling Beijing-style snacks, both sweet and savoury.

Donghuamen Night Market (东华门夜市; Dōnghuāmén Yèshì), (Along Dong'anmen Dajie, at the north end of the Wangfujing pedestrian area). Late afternoon and evening only. The place to come for exotic snacks such as scorpions, starfish, and silkworm grubs. You can also buy more typical snacks like fried noodles, dumplings, and kebabs. More expensive than a "real" neighbourhood market, but still reasonably priced.¥5-20 per item.

Oriental Dumpling King (东方饺子王; Dōngfāngjiǎoziwáng), 14 Chaoyangmen Nanxiaojie (朝阳门南小街14号楼; Cháoyángménnánxiǎojiē) (On east side of street near Lumicang. Bus 24 from Dongzhimen or Beijing Railway Station. No English sign.), ☎+86 10 6527 2042. 10AM-10PM. Cheap and delicious Dongbei (northeast) style dumplings. This is a chain, one of several around town. Their location in Harbin is recommended in several guidebooks, but if you're not going there you can get the same dumplings in Beijing. A few dozen different kinds, and can be boiled or fried. As with many dumpling places, order by weight: An order is usually two liang (èr liǎng) which is 100g, about 10-12 dumplings.

Mid range

Chinese food:

Guijie (簋街/鬼街; Guǐjiē), (Beixinqiao subway station on Line 5 is at the west end of the strip). The most famous street for food in Beijing is probably Guijie (sometimes called Ghost Street), which runs east-west along Dongzhimen Nei Dajie from Jiaodaokou Dong Dajie to to Dongzhimen Lijiaomen Bridge on the Second Ring Road, Dongcheng District. Red lanterns, traditional courtyards, hundreds of restaurants along the street. Eating on Ghost Street is about more than food and drink, it's a way of life for many Beijingers. Take your pick of restaurants, there are all kinds here.

Huajiayiyuan (花家怡园; Huājiāyíyuán), Dongzhimennei Street 235 (东直门内大街235号; Dōngzhíménnèi Dàjiē) (On the north side of the street, nearer western end), ☎+86 10 6405 1908. One of the larger and better-known (but also more crowded and pricier) restaurants along the strip. Housed in a series of interconnected courtyards. Very good homestyle food, also does a good Peking duck, although it is not the specialty.

Donglaishun (东来顺; Dōngláishùn). Daily 11AM-2PM and 5PM-9PM. This king of Beijing hotpot has been around since the 19th century. Founded by the Hui (ethnic Muslims), Donglaishun serves halal cuts of top-quality lamb and beef. Also serves cooked-by-chef dishes, including traditional Beijing sweets.

Yuxiang Renjia (渝乡人家), Hepingli Dongjie (和平里东街) (One (long) block east of east entrance to Ditan Park (on the next major road). Bus 117 or 123 from Dongzhimen.), ☎+86 10 84220807. Delicious Sichuan food. If you want to try Sichuan but are a little afraid of the spiciness, this place is a good choice: It's still spicy, but not as mouth-numbing as some other places. Reasonable prices, and a faux rural-village decor. There are 6 or 7 locations around town.

For vegetarians, Beijing's first pure vegetarian buffet restaurant is in the Confucius Temple on Guo zi jian street, west of the famous Lama Temple. No English menu so far, but one can just ask for the buffet, which contains a large variety of delicious vegetarian dishes, as well as a vegetarian hotpot, and a large selection of dessert.

Non-Chinese Food:

Ginkgo Restaurant & Bar, 199 Andingmennei Dajie (South from Andingmen bridge, about 700 metres on the right), ☎+86 10 64027532, [20]. Run by a British expat this place offers great breakfast, afternoon coffee and a host of interesting live music events.

Vineyard Cafe, 31 Wudaoying Hutong (五道营胡同31号) (Close to Lama Temple: First alley south of and parallel to Second Ring Road). Great place for Western-style breakfast and brunch in a restored hutong home. Also great European/fusion dishes, including some vegetarian options. A good dessert choice is the chocolate brownie with ice cream.

Xiao Xin's Cafe (小新的店), 103 Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷103号). One of the original cafes along this hutong, and now has many imitators. Great coffee and desserts, although the rest of the food is not particularly special.

Splurge

Chinese food:

Dadong Duck Restaurant (大董烤鸭店 Dàdŏng Kăoyā Diàn). Daily 11AM-10PM. Considered by some to be the best Beijing duck in the city, this upscale restaurant also delivers on a nice atmosphere. Reservations suggested.

Dongsi Shitiao branch, Dongsi Shitiao 22A, Bldg. 1-2 of the Nanxin Cang International Tower (东四十条甲22号南新仓国际大厦1-2楼) (Just southwest of Dongsishitiao subway station on Line 2, entrance is at the back (south) of the building). This is the newer and more impressive of Dadong's branches.

Non-Chinese food

The Courtyard, 95 Donghuamen Dajie, ☎+86 10 6526 8882. The Courtyard overlooks the moat surrounding the south-east corner of the wall of the Forbidden City. At night, the wall and tower are illuminated which gives a sense of being in old Peking. The cuisine is modern international fusion food. A recent (2011) traveller felt that, while the food was still excellent, the service and ambiance had greatly declined..

Capital M, 3rd Floor, No. 2 Qianmen Pedestrian St, ☎+86 10 6702 2727, [21]. Capital M is a modern Australian/European style restaurant. It provides cuisine and ambiance of a high standard. It overlooks part of Tiananmen Square and several colourful Chinese buildings which are illuminated at night. By Australian standards it provides excellent value.

Saveurs de Coree, 29 Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷29号). Korean food in a fancy setting. Can be expensive, but special set menus are a good deal.

Drink

Nanluogu Xiang area

Bar cluster established around 2006 in hutong area east of Houhai. The atmosphere in this area is still more authentic Beijing than the neighboring Houhai area, and the action here usually starts already during the afternoon.

Mao Live House, 111 Gulou East Street (鼓楼东大街111号; Gǔlóudōngdàjiē), ☎+86 10 6402 5080 ([email protected]), [24]. Most shows start around 8-9PM. Live rock music venue. The stage is great, the sound system is okay and the concert room and furniture are very basic.¥40-80.

Tree House, 81 Ju'er Hutong (菊儿胡同81号; Júérhútòng), ☎+86 138 1044 6267 ([email protected]), [25]. 8:30AM-1AM. Small and quiet pub/café, one of the few to be open also in the morning. Evening events now and then.Coffee from ¥15; beer from ¥10.

Drum Tower and Bell Tower area

Another smaller and quieter cluster of bars, close to both Houhai and Nanluoguxiang.

Drum and Bell, 41 Zhonglouwan Hutong (On the west side of the square between Bell and Drum towers.), ☎+86 10 84033600. Best part of this bar is the comfortable rooftop patio (especially if you can score a table with couches) that overlooks the Bell Tower and the square (which at night is clear of tour buses and used by locals playing badminton).

Other

Fez Bar, 23 Qianmen East Street (前门东大街23号; Qiánméndōngdàjiē), ☎+86 10 6559 6266 ([email protected]), [27]. 6PM-1AM. Openair rooftop cocktail bar situated next to The Legation Quarter and with great views. Serves all kind of cocktails as well as some food.

Mao Mao Chong Bar, 55A Wu Dao Ying Hutong (市东城区交道口南大街板厂胡同12号 ; 12 Ban Chang Hutong Jiao Dao Kou Nan Jie (Near South end of Nan Luo Gu Xiang) DongCheng District), ☎+86 139 2692 4563 ([email protected]), [28]. 5.30PM-late. This relaxed hutong pub serves reasonably priced international beers, wines and stellar cocktails. The walls are decorated with art and t-shirts for sale by the bar's owners, a husband-wife team who also cook up some of the city's best pizzas. Just east of Nanluoguxiang, Mao Mao Chong is a the perfect escape from Beijing's flashy bar districts.Cheaper than most bars in Beijing.

Yugong Yishan (愚公移山; Yúgōngyíshān), 3-2 Zhangzizhong Road(张自忠路3-2号; Zhāngzìzhōnglù) (2 min walk west along Zhangzizhong Road from Zhangzizhonglu subway station, after the entrance to the former site of the Ding Qurai government), ☎+86 10 6404 2711, [30]. Shows usually start at 10PM. The cream of Beijing's nascent rock scene can be enjoyed at this modern and tastefully presented venue.¥20 and up for drinks, shows are between ¥30 and ¥80.

Beijing Saga International Youth Hostel (北京实佳国际青年旅舍; Běijīng Shíjiā Guójìqīngniánlǚshè), 9 Shijia Hutong, Nanxiao Street (南小街史家胡同9号; Nánxiǎojiē Shǐjiāhútòng) (From the station, follow the road north past the Beijing International Hotel, after about a ten minute walk look for the hostel sign with an arrow pointing down one of the hutongs on the left side), ☎+86 10 65272773, 65249098 ([email protected]), [33]. Very popular with backpackers. There's a restaurant on the top floor. The staff speak some English.Dorms ¥40-50, doubles ¥160, triples ¥180.

Beijing City Central Youth Hostel, Located directly across from Beijing Zhan (central train station) (at the corner of Beijingzhanjie and Beijingzhan Xijie). The largest hostel in Beijing, with central air conditioning and individual controls in each of the 200 rooms. It offers a computer/internet room, billiards, bar, and karaoke. On the 1st and 2nd levels are a 24-hour supermarket, breakfast bar, coffee lounge, ATM, phones for international dialing, express film processing, a mobile phone shop, and post office. The rooms on the 3rd to 6th floors include ensuites, doubles, singles, and 4 and 8 bunk dormitories.Dorms ¥60 (4-8 beds), doubles with shared bathrooms ¥160.

Eastern Morning Youth Hostel, Dongdan Santiao, behind the Oriental Plaza (in the basement of the Oriental Plaza complex next to Wangfujing Pedestrian Street), ☎+86 10 65284347. A great budget option if price is your primary concern. The staff do not speak much English but are friendly. Internet access is available at ¥10 per hour. It is a 5 minute walk to the Dongdan or Wangfujing subway stations and about a 15 minute walk to the International Hotel airport shuttle stop.Private rooms cost about ¥90 per night - book in advance.

Wangfujing Dawan Hotel (北京王府井大万酒店; Běijīngwángfǔjǐngdàwànjiǔdiàn), 2 Ganyu Hutong, Dongdan Bei Street (东单北大街甘雨胡同甲2号; Dōngdānběidàjiēgānyǔhútòng) (50m west of Denshikou Metro Station (line 5)), ☎+86 10 8511 4543 ([email protected], fax: +86 10 8511 4537), [35]. Rooms with free internet, television, aircon and fridge. Business center and bath center including sauna available. Chinese restaurant. The rooms are ok, the bathrooms not too bright or clean, and the service level of fluctuating standard, but this is compensated by the low price and great location.Listed rates for doubles from ¥238, discounted from ¥137; breakfast ¥15.

Star of City Hotel (北京都市之星酒店; Běijīngdūshìzhīxīngjiǔdiàn), 216 Dongzhimennei Street (东直门内大街216号; Dōngzhíménnèidàjiē) (300m east of Beixinqiao Metro Station (line 5)), ☎+86 10 6402 1188 (fax: +86 10 6402 8557). Large rooms with free internet. Ticket office and laundry service available. No restaurant but a tea house. Can be loud, get an interior room. Clean bathroom, but very old beds. More suited to Chinese, though English speaking staff is available. One stop away from the Lama Temple.Listed rates for doubles without window from ¥268, discounted from ¥198; breakfast ¥15; rooms with window only slightly more expensive.

Beijing Zaoyuanju Hotel (北京枣园居宾馆; Běijīngzǎoyuánjūbīnguǎn), 17 Zhangwang Hutong, Jiugulou Street (旧鼓楼大街张旺胡同17号; Jiùgǔlóudàjiē Zhāngwànghútòng) (500m south from Guoloudajie Metro Station (line 2)), ☎+86 10 6404 2653 (fax: +86 10 6403 1197), [37]. Rooms with free internet. Ticket office and laudry service available. Western restaurant, bar and room service. The rooms and especially the bathrooms are small. There is some noise from other guests and from the hutong life outside. Great location close to bar areas and sights.Listed rates for doubles from ¥288, discounted from ¥170; breakfast ¥10.

Mid-range

A number of mid-range hotels are located east of the Dongzhimen subway station. From the subway stop, walk around 800m east to the next big intersection. On the southeast corner is another Home Inn location (see listing above). On the northern side of the street (not on the main road itself, but in the residential compound behind), half a dozen large hotels can be found. A double costs ¥150-250 a night depending on the season. It's worth haggling and comparing with the other hotels around before you book. Although the hotels are conveniently near a ring road, the subway also provides a convenient and quick access to the city center. Right next to the subway station there is a McDonalds, and - more interestingly - a large shopping center (Ginza Mall) with a food court hidden in the lowest floor.

Hua Fu International Hotel, 53 Donganmen Street, ☎+86 21 6122 6688 ext 7800, [38]. Rather basic rooms, but clean with nice bathroom and TV (Chinese channels). Some staff had trouble speaking English but all were friendly. Excellent location close to Wangfujing shopping area, 10 min walk to Forbidden City.¥338 for a single room. Breakfast buffet avaible for ¥20.

Splurge

Grand Hotel Beijing (北京贵宾楼饭店; Běijīng Guìbīnlóu Fàndiàn), 35 East Chang'an Street (东长安街35号; Dōngchángānjiē), ☎+86 10 6513 7788 (fax: +86 10 6513 0049), [48]. 5 star hotel located in a traditional building in a small street overlooking the Forbidden City. Rooms with free internet except for the cheapest ones. The rooms are 32-66m2 except for the very most expensive, which is more than 100m2. Business center, gift shop, ticket office, fitness, pool and sauna available. Chinese and Western restaurants as well as coffee shop, bar and room service.Listed rates for doubles ¥3,450-14,950, discounted rates ¥765-10,500, breakfast ¥184.

Grand Hyatt Beijing, 1 East Chang An Avenue, ☎+86 10 8518 1234 ([email protected]), [51]. Privately-owned, exquisite, and expensive, 5 star hotel. Rooms can go for $150 per night. There is an enormous swimming pool in the basement that is decorated in very tropical manner, but the deepest part is only 1.5 meters. The jacuzzi and wet sauna are excellent. Great hotel and great location, if you can afford it.$150 / night.

Beijing Hotel, [52]. State-owned (and thus presumably less expensive). Located near the Forbidden City, there is a spectacular view of Tiananmen Square from the hotel.

Xinhai Jin Jiang Hotel, 61 Jinbao Street, Dongcheng District, ([email protected]), [53]. Conveniently located in the bustling commercial district of Wangfujing, this hotel has 231 elegantly furnished rooms which pamper guests with lavish comfort. It has excellent business and leisure facilities which include the sprawling International Conference Center.

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